Before Love at First Bark, Julie Klam revealed what dogs have taught her about love, health, and happiness in this delightful memoir. Thirty, single without prospects, and working as a part-time clerk in an insurance company, Klam felt she was still waiting for her life to begin. Then she had a vivid dream about a Boston terrier named Otto, who "came slow-motion scampering through the high grass and wild daisies of sleep," and she realized that her destiny was calling her, even if the companion she needed was maybe not the one she'd had in mind.

"Klam recounts the touching, often hilarious tales of life with Boston terriers.... With Otto, the then-single Klam learned about compromise and sacrifice. Married and pregnant, the author adopts a little 'doglet,' Beatrice, and distracted by a newborn, forgets to have the puppy spayed—resulting in a series of hilarious misadventures worth the price of the book. She continues to rescue, foster, and adopt dogs—spirited Hank, adored Moses, chubby Sherlock—each with his or her own special needs, idiosyncrasies, and 'teachable moments' in trusting one's instincts, achieving balance, helping others, finding contentment, loving fiercely, and letting go. This gem of a book is a gift to dog lovers everywhere."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)